Walked over the fields between the estate and Ross House. Loved the fact that within two minutes of leaving the main road, we had gone back in time, I guess, a few hundred years. The stream there is perfectly clear (unfortunately not much of an indication of how polluted it might be) and full of aquatic plants. The field edges have Red and White Clovers, Tufted Vetch, Cow Parsley, Shepherd's Purse, great sweeps of Meadow Sweet and an ancient-looking Hawthorn Hedge. I can’t bear to think that the land has already been earmarked for a rebuild of the neighbouring school. Thinking about a letter to the Council to ask them to ensure the stream, field edges and hedgerows are preserved. Not much to ask for, surely.
Through in Hamilton today. Four House Sparrows (including a pristine male) visiting a back garden nut feeder, plus a juvenile Blue Tit and a Hedgesparrow (picking up crumbs from the path).
Got into a conversation with the kids about diamonds this evening. It prompted us to search the internet for information about precious stones in Scotland (“Do we get diamonds here?”) Came across a very interesting site entitled “Minerals of Scotland”. I think number 2 child’s appetite is well and truly whetted. A trip to Kelvingrove Gallery would have been one option, had it not been in the middle of its protracted period of closure. Maybe a field trip will have to be done….